The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched its most advanced Geo-Imaging satellite ‘EOS-3’ (also known as GISAT-1) on August 12, 2021. The satellite will be capable of real-time monitoring of natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes.
*The geo-imaging satellite is capable of filming the country 4-5 times a day and is said to monitor changes in water bodies, crops, vegetation, and forest cover.
*It will be launched into geosynchronous orbit by a GSLV-F10 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
*The first development aircraft of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is scheduled to launch from SDSC, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh in the 4th quarter of 2021.
*The SSLV is capable of carrying up to 500 kg in planar orbit or solar synchronous polar orbit up to 500 kg.
*The 1st unselected mission has been postponed to 2022 as part of India’s first human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.
*ISRO will launch Chandrayaan-3 to the moon in the 3rd quarter of 2022.